Chapter 132
Chapter 132
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 132
Chapter Title: Untimely Winter (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"It's been two years."
Adeshan released his hand and stood facing Ronan. Her trembling voice was thick with emotion. She quietly caught her breath, then buried her face in Ronan's chest.
"Senior?"
"...Just stay like this for a bit."
It was a bold move that would have been hard to imagine two years ago. Back then, Adeshan had been taller, so it wouldn't have been possible anyway.
A scent of winter flowers wafted from the hair draping under her chin. With her eyes gently closed, she listened to the sound of his heartbeat. Adeshan murmured.
"You're really back."
"I've been telling you that since earlier."
"I waited so long."
Her shoulders shook beneath the coat. Ronan wrapped his arms around her in an embrace and patted her back.
The two of them held that position for quite a while. Finally, Adeshan lifted her head and flashed a bright smile.
"You've grown a lot taller."
"I was surprised about that too."
"Your hair's gotten so long too. Weirdly, your beard hasn't grown much."
"My hair? Oh."
Only then did Ronan notice the thick mass covering the back of his neck. He reached up and felt bushy locks like overgrown underbrush. They seemed to reach at least his shoulders. He grimaced at the unfamiliar, itchy sensation.
"Ugh."
"Haha, if it's uncomfortable, I can cut it for you later."
"Damn, thanks. But seriously, what you said earlier...?"
"Huh?"
"About two years having passed."
A brief silence fell. Adeshan nodded cautiously. Ronan twisted his lips and sighed.
'Damn, guess I got off cheap on this one.'
Having prepared himself beforehand dulled the shock. It was a relief he'd anticipated it might take a long time and made preparations. Finally sorting his thoughts, Ronan spoke up.
"Did you do okay? What about Sis and everyone else?"
"I was fine. Everyone's healthy, so no need to worry about that."
"That's a relief. Really."
Ronan let out a sigh of relief. It was the one thing he'd most wanted to hear since returning. Suddenly, Adeshan's expression darkened.
"Oh, but Instructor Naviroje is... a bit..."
"What? Did something happen?"
Ronan tilted his head. The way she trailed off felt ominous. She hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.
"Um... never mind. You should hear it from her yourself. Sorry."
"It's fine. She's not hurt or anything, right?"
"Yeah. It's like that, but..."
Adeshan chewed her lip. It seemed suspicious, but he couldn't press her if she was being like this. Sensing the mood turning awkward, Ronan changed the subject.
"Right, what were those monsters earlier?"
"Oh, they're called Snow Beasts. They show up about once every four days. Bad luck."
"Yeah, that sounds right. Why are they appearing at school?"
"Well..."
Adeshan was about to explain when a shrill alarm blared from somewhere. Beep! Beep!
"What the?"
Ronan realized the sound was coming from Adeshan's wrist. Specifically, from the thin bracelet on it. Adeshan's eyes widened.
"Right, I forgot...!"
"What's going on?"
"It's a student council alert. We have a meeting after the Snow Beast subjugation ends."
"Student council?"
Ronan raised an eyebrow. She seemed quite anxious, like it was something important. He patted her back and said.
"It's fine, go ahead."
"Y-you sure? Do you... remember where everything in the school is?"
"I'm not senile or anything. I'll be at Sis's place."
"Okay, thanks. I'll come as soon as it's over...!"
Adeshan turned and vanished into the blizzard. Her steps were so light it was like she'd mastered some foot technique—no sound at all.
Ronan picked up the chest he'd set on the ground. Recalling Adeshan's face, he muttered softly.
"...She's gotten really beautiful."
It was the first time he'd thought that about anyone besides his sister. The only difference from his previous life had been her weary eyes, but to think the change would be this dramatic.
He could still smell the winter flowers around his chest. Ronan left the grounds and headed to Iril's house.
Snow poured down relentlessly the whole way. It definitely wasn't a normal winter. Surprisingly tidy streets came into view. Fire spirits and magitech knights were constantly clearing the snow.
'Money really makes a difference. Back in the penal legion days, I'd have cleared it myself.'
Knock knock. Less than ten minutes later, Ronan arrived and knocked on the front door. A delicious aroma wafted through the crack—dinnertime, apparently. Thankfully, a response came from inside.
"Coming~!"
The door creaked open, revealing a familiar young woman. Her silvery-blue hair had grown even thicker. Iril's eyes widened.
"Ro, Ronan?"
"Sis."
"You, youuu... you...!"
His sister looked as beautiful as ever. Iril repeated nonsensical sounds like she'd forgotten how to speak. Soon, tears burst from her eyes as she rushed at Ronan.
"Waaah! You're back!"
Having grown bigger himself, he fit perfectly in her arms. Her loud sobs suggested she was healthy, just as Adeshan had said. Ronan patted her as he asked.
"You doing okay?"
"Y-yeah. I was really fine... Hwaaaang!"
Iril burst into tears again mid-sentence. It took another ten minutes of sobbing before she could compose herself.
"Phew... I showed my unladylike side. I'm okay now!"
"Good to hear. Where's Citta?"
"Oh, your friends took her out just a bit ago. She'll be back soon."
Iril explained that Citta had been busy lately. Apparently, the special adventure club had kept up activities even without him. Standing on tiptoes, she grabbed her brother's face with a worried look.
"So, have you eaten? Why do you look so skinny?"
"Eaten...?"
Ronan raised an eyebrow. Come to think of it, he hadn't eaten anything in two years. The moment he realized that, a massive rumble echoed from his stomach.
"Not yet."
"Hehe, I'll whip something up quick. Wait in the kitchen—I need to check the back yard real fast!"
Iril smiled and headed out the back door. Entering the kitchen, Ronan's eyes widened. A familiar fungus sat at the table, shoveling stew. The combo of his dark blue-green hair and napkin around his neck looked ridiculous.
"...You were here?"
"It's been a while, Ronan. Two years, perhaps."
Schlieffen greeted him casually, as if they'd parted yesterday. Ronan stared, at a loss for words. Clink. The Empire's Rising Star set down his spoon and spoke.
"I was about to stand up once I finished eating."
"...Sure you were."
"That's a suspicious look. From Iril's reaction, I gathered you were back. Am I guilty for not interrupting your sibling reunion?"
"Who said anything?"
Ronan sat at the table. The delicious smell was coming from Schlieffen's bowl. Seeing the stew packed with meat and veggies, Ronan smacked his lips.
"Man... looks tasty. Sis has improved. Putting in that many ingredients now."
"Iril's cooking has always been excellent."
Schlieffen met Ronan's eyes and pulled his bowl closer protectively, like an animal guarding its food. Ronan snorted in disbelief.
"I'm not gonna steal it, idiot."
"Baseless assumption. I merely observed that your physique has bulked up."
Schlieffen resumed devouring his stew. Reading the relief on his face, Ronan shook his head. His looks might have changed, but his personality hadn't a bit.
'When's this guy gonna start living up to his face.'
The grown Schlieffen was an annoyingly handsome young man. He even seemed better-looking than in his previous life. Finally emptying his bowl, Schlieffen spoke.
"Seems the two years were worth it. Your very aura has changed."
"You're no slouch yourself."
Ronan grinned. He could tell without focusing. The genius before him had reached a much higher realm than before.
'He passed the early awakening stage long ago. Monster.'
His pulsing core was visible to the naked eye. How many swordsmen could beat this guy in a proper duel? Ronan wanted to cross blades right now, but it wasn't the time.
"You been staying here the whole time? To protect Sis?"
"Hardly. The house next door happened to be vacant, so I bought it. Adeshan and the club members took turns on guard duty."
"Unbelievable."
Ronan chuckled dryly. Buying a house for protection. As expected of a great noble's son—the scale was different. After tapping the table a moment, he spoke.
"...Thanks. For keeping your promise."
"Just doing what was natural."
Schlieffen nodded calmly. There wasn't a hint of showiness in his flat tone. Bang! Then the back door flew open as Iril entered, basket full of eggs in hand.
"Ta-da, I'm back! I'll make it quick, so just wait a sec. More for you too, Schlieffen?"
"...I'd be grateful if you did."
"Hehe, got it~"
Ronan laughed in disbelief. The bowl he'd just finished wasn't small either, but the guy was consistent. Iril hummed as she started cooking.
"Ronan."
"Yeah?"
Creak—Schlieffen suddenly stood and nodded at Ronan. Understanding the signal, he rose too.
Schlieffen was a full head taller. He followed him up to the second floor. Schlieffen stopped only at the balcony. Ronan tilted his head.
"What's up?"
"It's not something cheerful enough for Iril to hear."
Schlieffen looked out the window. Snow poured down under the overcast sky.
The well-built house kept out the cold, but just looking outside told you how frigid it was. Crossing his arms, he spoke.
"Do you know what's happening in the capital right now?"
"Happening...?"
"Don't panic. Listen. Right now, it's the Golden Fox Moon, Ronan."
"...What?"
Ronan's face hardened. Schlieffen gave a wry smile.
"It's absurd. Bundling up in furs when cherry blossoms should be in full bloom."
Ronan couldn't respond. The Golden Fox Moon was around when he'd just entered Phileon. Drunken on spring flowers, swinging his black iron sword.
"...Is this connected to the monsters appearing in the middle of Phileon?"
"You ran into them too, huh. It's not just Phileon—the whole capital's suffering. They show up anywhere it snows."
"Fuck. What the hell happened?"
Ronan frowned. Even as he asked, a corner of his brain itched. He'd definitely experienced something similar in his previous life.
"This winter has lasted a year. It's winter only in the capital."
"A year?"
"Yes... It all started with one student."
Rattle rattle. The window shook in the biting gale. After a long silence, Schlieffen spoke.
"Do you know about the Winter Witch?"